The Aiken factor: Ireland and the invention of nuclear non-proliferation

O'Driscoll, Mervyn

The Aiken factor: Ireland and the invention of nuclear non-proliferation

Files

The Aiken Factor_ Ireland and the Invention of Nuclear Non-Proliferation _ Wilson Center.pdf(1.19 MB)

Published Version

Date

2024-01-24

Authors

O'Driscoll, Mervyn

Publisher

The Wilson Center

Abstract

For many, the former Irish Minister for External Affairs Frank Aiken is, with good reason, synonymous with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty’s (NPT) origins. Aiken’s tenacity in securing the “Irish Resolutions” – UN General Assembly Resolution 1380 (XIV) in 1959, Resolution 1576 (XV) in 1960 and Resolution 1665 (XVI) in 1961 – was exceptional. These resolutions classified the spread of nuclear weapons as an urgent international issue possessing the potential to multiply strategic tensions amid the Cold War and decolonization. Acknowledging the impasse on nuclear disarmament, Aiken felt compelled to put forward a realistic first step for global survival.

Keywords

Franak Aiken , Nuclear non-proliferation , Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty , Irish resolutions

Citation

O'Driscoll, M. (2024) 'The Aiken factor: Ireland and the invention of nuclear non-proliferation', Sources and Methods - A blog of the History and Public Policy Program, Wilson Center, 24 January 2024. Available at: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/aiken-factor-ireland-and-invention-nuclear-non-proliferation (Accessed: 27 May 2025)